Pimento Cheese Sandwich
A classic Southern staple, this creamy and tangy pimento cheese is slathered between slices of soft white bread. It's the perfect quick lunch, party appetizer, or comforting snack, ready in just 15 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Cheese Base
- b.In a medium-sized bowl, add the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise.
- c.Using an electric hand mixer on low speed or a sturdy spatula, beat the mixture for 1-2 minutes until it is completely smooth, creamy, and free of lumps.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Combine Pimento Cheese Ingredients
- b.Add the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, drained diced pimentos, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the cream cheese mixture.
- c.Gently fold all the ingredients together with the spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the spread oily.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Chill and Meld Flavors (Recommended)
- b.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
- c.This step is optional but highly recommended, as it allows the flavors to meld together for a more delicious spread.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Serve the Sandwiches
- b.Lay out the 8 slices of white bread on a clean work surface.
- c.Generously divide the chilled pimento cheese spread evenly among 4 of the bread slices, spreading it to the edges.
- d.Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread.
- e.For a classic presentation, carefully trim the crusts off the sandwiches with a sharp serrated knife. Cut each sandwich in half diagonally and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly and can result in a grainy texture.
- 2For the creamiest spread, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing.
- 3Pat the drained pimentos dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which can make the spread watery.
- 4The pimento cheese spread can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavor deepens over time.
- 5Use a high-quality, full-fat mayonnaise like Duke's for the most authentic Southern flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Kick
Add 1-2 finely diced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat) or a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
Grilled Pimento CheeseGrilled Pimento Cheese
Butter the outside of the bread slices and grill the assembled sandwich in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and the cheese is gooey and melted.
Smoky FlavorSmoky Flavor
Incorporate 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the other spices for a subtle, smoky depth.
Cheese BlendCheese Blend
Use a mix of cheeses for more complex flavor. Try swapping half of the sharp cheddar with Colby, Monterey Jack, or a medium cheddar.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Calcium
Cheddar and cream cheese are excellent sources of calcium, a vital mineral for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Source of Protein
The significant amount of cheese in this recipe provides a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Contains Vitamin A
Pimentos are a type of red chili pepper rich in Vitamin A, an antioxidant that supports vision health, immune function, and cell growth.
Frequently asked questions
A single Pimento Cheese Sandwich made according to this recipe contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the specific brands of cheese, mayonnaise, and bread used.